Geography

Bulgaria occupies a relatively small area - 111 000 sq. km, but is nevertheless distinguished by generous and varied nature. The rich, varied beauty of our nature is awesome and rare; there are mountains with different specificity and modern ski resorts; there is the Black sea with its sunny beaches and amazing holiday resorts; hundreds of mysterious caves, as well as the numerous natural mineral springs known for their healing properties since ancient times, attract tourists from all over the world; beautiful rivers and waterfalls, phenomenal rock formations, national parks and sanctuaries for natural wild life as well as many other fabulous attractions make Bulgaria one of the most sought after tourist destination as well as a country widely praised for its natural treasures.

More then one quarter of the country's territory is covered with forests. Bulgaria is famous for its oleaginous rose which bloom in the Valley of Roses. The Bulgarian fauna is no less interesting, with almost 13 000 animal species and subspecies, or about 14 percent of all European species. Fishing is possible in lakes, dams, mountain brooks and sea, hunting - in special hunting grounds.You will discover the magnificent beaches – the umerous ski resorts – the characteristic villages and fascinating architecture – the natural spas and treatment centres – and not to forget: the delicious food!   

The Black Sea Coast offers an attractive seaside holiday for rest and recreation. The sunshine record is exceptional - nearly 300 days of sunshine the yearly average. Various opportunities exist for climate and balneo-reatment, yachting, surfing, water skiing, diving, underwater fishing, other aquatic sports and diverse types of entertainment. In addition, opportunities for hiking, cycling, riding, photo-tourism, eco-tourism, and excursions to natural, archaeological and cultural places of interest abound. 

Bulgaria offers an astonishing array of landscapes, flora and fauna, recreational activities and wildlife. Rila, Pirin, the Rhodopes, Vitosha and the Balkan Mountains offer wonderful possibilities for skiing and mountain hiking. The international resorts of Pamporovo, Borovets and Bansko allows one to enjoy some of the best skiing in Europe - with snow from Christmas to Easter. 

Bulgaria has more than 600 hot, warm and cold mineral springs of varied physical and chemical contents, mineralisation, curative gases, biologically active trace elements, temperature and curative properties. A number of businesses offer talasso-therapy, pearl baths, underwater massage, phyto-therapy, curative mud, inhalations, manual therapy, paraffin treatment, acupuncture, helio-prophylaxis, ozone and oxygen therapy, slimming procedures, balneo-cosmetics, etc.

There is also a great diversity of herbs and healing plants. Bulgaria's fauna numbers some 13,000 species, 14% of the total number of registered animal species in Europe. Rare mammal species are to be found in this country. Reserves and hunting grounds are inhabited by pelicans, stags, deer, does, wild goats, quails, pheasants, etc. A network of three national parks has been set up (with a total area of 221,252.2 ha) – Rila, Pirin, and the Central Balkan; nine natural parks (over 180,000 ha); reserves, as well as 2,234 protected territories and natural landmarks. Of them the Pirin National Park and the Sreburna biosphere reserve have been included in UNESCO's world heritage list. Together with a further 16 biosphere reserves they offer wonderful conditions for photograpy, scientific and hobby tourism.